And because of that wiring we usually become either the good cop or the bad cop for those we lead.

But good cop/bad cop is a bad philosophy for leaders.

When we perpetuate a good cop/bad cop scenario, we create heroes and villains.

The philosophy doesn’t emerge from dysfunction. It emerges from that natural wiring and at first it even seems balanced. We need mercy and justice. We need grace and truth. Since both exist there seems to be an equalibrium in the organization. And for a time there might be the illusion of such, but in reality you’re enabling a dysfunction that will wear down the relational chemistry of your team.

The leader who plays the “good cop” role, while well-liked, will become less respected. She can never be relied upon to speak truth. The team eventually catches on and realizes that in her desire to be the “good cop” she’s never coaching you for improvement or constructively giving you feedback. She leaves that to the “bad cop”.

The leader who plays the “bad cop” wears the organization down. As the person who is always delivering the bad news, he is avoided. People dodge when they see him coming. They know that whatever he has to say, it’s not going to be good.

As leaders, we can not delegate the good or the bad. We must embrace both as our leadership responsibility. I must be equally willing to be merciful yet just. I must be both truthful and gracious. Every leader must embrace both sides. That’s healthy leadership.